Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not the root cause of issues in Nigeria’s elections, but rather the individuals working within the institution. In a viral social media post, Yesufu challenged Nigerians to shift their focus from blaming institutions to taking personal responsibility for the conduct of those serving in them.
“INEC is not the problem. The people working in INEC are the problem. These people are not aliens; they are part of us. Let everyone call their people to order,” Yesufu wrote in the statement, which has since gained significant traction online.
The activist argued that similar failures are occurring across other key state institutions, including the police, the military, and the judiciary. She contended that these bodies are not inherently flawed, but are compromised by the individuals running them, suggesting that the quality of leadership and personnel is the primary determinant of institutional success.
Yesufu emphasized that no amount of robust laws or structural frameworks can ensure a functioning system if the people operating it refuse to act correctly. She urged the public to stop attributing systemic failures to external forces, noting that those compromising the system are Nigerians themselves.
In her appeal, Yesufu called on leaders, politicians, families, and communities to take ownership of the situation. She advised that instead of hiding behind attacks on institutions, Nigerians should hold their own accountable and demand better conduct from those in positions of authority.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>